Learn how to use the comparative “heavier” and superlative “heaviest” with example sentences and differences.

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “heavy”?

The comparative form of “heavy” is “heavier”.

Example

The elephant is heavier than the giraffe.

Example

She carried the heavier box with difficulty.

What is the superlative form of “heavy”?

The superlative form of “heavy” is “heaviest”.

Example

Among all the fruits, the watermelon is the heaviest.

Example

The dumbbell is known for being the heaviest weight at the gym.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with heavy, heavier, and heaviest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more heavy' and 'most heavy' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, heavier and heaviest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Heavy does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: HeavyHeavier Superlative: HeavyHeaviest

Expressions with similar meanings to “heavier”

Used to describe something that is heavier in terms of size or volume

Example

The bulkier suitcase was harder to lift.

Used to indicate something that is heavier in terms of importance or significance

Example

The professor assigned the weightier reading materials for the advanced class.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased weight or importance

Example

The more substantial meal left him feeling satisfied for hours.

Expressions with similar meanings to “heaviest”

Similar to heaviest, this emphasizes both weight and size

Example

Among all the packages, the bulkiest one was the hardest to carry.

Used to describe the highest level of weight in terms of importance or significance

Example

The CEO's decision was the weightiest in the company's history.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of weight or importance

Example

The most substantial evidence supported the prosecutor's case.

Using than with comparative “heavier”

When using the comparative form heavier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The box is heavier than the bag." Here, than is used to show that the weight of 'the box' is greater than the weight of 'the bag'.

How can I use this expression in context?

“heavier” and “heaviest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Objects

    The new bookshelf is heavier than the old one.

    The new bookshelf is heavier than the old one.

  • 2Animals

    The bear is heavier than the deer.

    The bear is heavier than the deer.

  • 3People

    John is heavier than his brother.

    John is heavier than his brother.

  • 4Food

    The chocolate cake is the heaviest dessert on the menu.

    The chocolate cake is the heaviest dessert on the menu.

  • 5Luggage

    Her suitcase was the heaviest among all the passengers.

    Her suitcase was the heaviest among all the passengers.

Related idioms and phrases

Weigh someone down

To burden or trouble someone with a heavy emotional or physical load.

Example

The stress of the job was weighing him down.

Carry a heavy load

To have a lot of responsibilities or problems to deal with.

Example

As the CEO, she carries a heavy load of managing the company.

Lighten the load

To make a burden or task easier or less difficult.

Example

She decided to delegate some of her work to lighten the load.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!